Public Speakers Hour: Building Your Voice as a Builder

On January 9, 2026, six speakers took the stage at NS Library for our Public Speakers Hour, each delivering a 5-minute talk followed by Q&A with the audience.

Why Public Speaking for Builders?

In the builder community, we often focus on technical skills. But your ability to communicate ideas - to pitch, to explain, to inspire - is equally crucial:

• Fundraising - Convincing investors requires compelling storytelling
• Hiring - Attracting talent means painting a vision they want to join
• Sales - Customers buy stories, not features
• Community - Leading requires the ability to articulate direction

Public speaking is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with deliberate practice.

The Format

Each speaker gets:

• 5 minutes to present on any topic
• 2 minutes of Q&A with the audience

This tight format forces clarity. You can't hide behind complexity when you only have five minutes.

Topics We Explored

The diversity of topics reflected the diversity of our community:

• Startup pitches
• Technology deep-dives
• Exponential technology perspectives
• New tech or art demonstrations
• Personal stories and experiences
• Network School aspirations

Some speakers even tried stand-up comedy, proving that builders have more dimensions than just code.

Self-Assessment Framework

One of the most valuable takeaways from the session was a three-step framework for analyzing your own presentations:

1. Watch Without Sound

Play back your recording with the audio muted. Focus entirely on body language. Are you fidgeting? Making eye contact? Using the space effectively?

2. Listen Without Video

Now listen to just the audio. How does your voice sound? Are you using filler words? Is your pacing appropriate? Does your tone convey confidence?

3. Read the Transcript

Transcribe your talk and read it as text. Does the content flow? Is the structure clear? Would this work as a written piece?

This three-lens approach reveals weaknesses you'd never notice in the moment.

The Supportive Environment

What makes Public Speakers Hour different from a typical speaking engagement is the psychological safety. Everyone in the room understands we're here to practice and improve. Feedback is constructive, focused on growth.

You can try new material, experiment with different styles, and even fail - without career consequences.

Beyond the Talk

Public speaking skills compound. The confidence you build presenting to 20 people translates when you're presenting to 200, or 2000. Every rep matters.

Join Us at the Podium

Whether you're preparing for an investor pitch, a conference talk, or you just want to become a better communicator, Public Speakers Hour offers a low-stakes environment to level up.

Slots fill up fast. Reach out to secure your five minutes at our next session.